Explore St Andrews Church and its Tower on Saturday as part of Heritage Open Day

Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.

The festival is about more than just looking back at history with visitors encouraged to get stuck in and join the conversation about heritage and what it means today and St Andrews Church is one of many places hosting events locally this weekend.

Annie Reilly, the National Trust's Audience & Engagement Director, said: "England's largest festival of history and culture is back. Heritage Open Days opens the door to thousands of extraordinary stories, places and experiences on your doorstep. With over 6,200 free events across the country, millions can discover the places around them in new and -often-surprising ways. By inspiring curiosity today, the festival helps build a stronger sense of connection, care and action for the future”

Founded in 1994, Heritage Open Days has been making history and culture more accessible for more than three decades. Last year over 2,500 organisers and 44,200 volunteers ran 5,879 events across the country, attracting over one million visits. Around one-quarter of visitors had not visited a heritage site/event in the past year while 83% of festival-goers said their visit made them more proud of their local area

In Penrith on the 12th, 14th to 19th September - St Andrew's Church is open from 9am to 5pm

On Saturday 12th you can join them for panoramic Penrith, with a tower tour by the Bell ringers. You will learn about the workings of the bells and even have the option to try and ring one yourself!  There will also be a Stained Glass presentation taking place from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

For the rest of the festival, Monday 14th September to Saturday 19th September, why not pop in for a tour of the church? Discover the history of the building and the various banners which hang from the gallery. Outside explore our church yard, which encompasses some ancient monuments.  On Thursday the 17th, there will also be tours of the organ loft available 10am to 12.30pm.

And in the local area around Penrith other events include:

12th, 16th, 19th September - Brougham Hall Guided Tours

Tours will take place on Saturday 12th, Wednesday 16th and Saturday 19th September at 1400. This will be a walking tour of the site it is relatively flat but not wheelchair friendly I am afraid. Tours are free as is entry to the site. Cafe will be open and galleries and workshops will be available to view.  We are a newly formed Community interest Company set up to run the hall and preserve it for future generations as well as creating spaces for small arts and crafts businesses.  Brougham Hall is an important historical site but is also invested in the future of culture in Cumbria.

19th and 20th September - Acorn Bank Watermill

Come down and see the 19th Century Watermill in action, and hear the stories of the people who lived and worked on the estate, including both the watermill and the gypsum mine. We will be selling our wholemeal flour fresh from the mill, and we will have samples of baked produce for you to try, showing the range of produce you can make from this versatile foodstuff.

19th and 20th September - Medieval Re-enactment Brougham Hall

The Red Wyvern Society is at Brougham Hall on the 19th and 20th September 2026. We will be taking over the lawn and bring history to life. Come see our encampment between 1100-1600 and learn more about what life was like in the 15th Century.

12th and 19th September - Low Borrowbridge Roman Fort and farm

A walk around the historic farmyard looking at the development of the site. Visit Low Borrowbridge Roman fort which is not normally open to the public.

Other events in Eden include:

Appleby

11th September - ClayLife Pottery - It's no life with clay life!

Visit ClayLife Pottery within the historic old post office that's been converted into a working community pottery; where you can ask questions about pottery from artisan crafters and observe real time pottery activities. Have a go yourself?!

11th to 15th and 17th to 20th September - Blood, Beetles and Battlements: The Everyday History of Red Gold

In 1645, the same Civil War that destroyed Lady Anne Clifford's castles produced Britain's first standardised military uniform, the red coat, dyed with madder. The everyday histories of colour and conflict have always been intertwined.

This event traces a single thread from a Spanish ship's hold to a 17th-century workshop in Appleby. George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland, orphaned young and made a ward of court, became Elizabeth I's Champion and one of England's most celebrated privateers. His expeditions employed hundreds of ordinary Cumberland and Westmorland men on a prize-share system the gig economy of the 1580s.

19th and 20th September - Moot Hall Council Chamber

Discover Moot Hall Council Chamber this Heritage Open Days. Built in the market place in 1596, it served as a civic centre to house Appleby Corporation (now the Town Council), with additional space for rent. There have been many alterations to the structure, but - almost uniquely among only several such buildings in England - the council chamber is still used for its original purpose, and holds Council Meetings twice a month.

11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th September - Everyday History of Red Gold

Whose Hands Made Red Gold? From an orphaned earl's privateer cargoes to Lady Anne's rebuilding, Appleby's colour history is an everyday story. Join us to make Carmine Lake from cochineal - a pigment lineage five centuries in the making.

19th and 20th September - Masonic Hall

Bank House was built about 250 years ago and extends to the River Eden at the rear. The Vale of Eden Masonic Lodge leased the property in 1911. It became known as the Masonic Hall and was purchased by the Vale of Eden Lodge in 1962.  In 1991 the interior was extensively modernized to meet current building regulations and a new Masonic Temple was dedicated. The World Head Office of the Fell Pony Society occupies a ground floor room. Two Masonic Lodges and a Chapter meet regularly from August to May and have several social events during the year.  All three floors of the Hall will be open, including the 'ritual' room, which is not usually open to the public. Members of the Lodges will be on the premises to show you round.

19th and 20th September - St Anne's Almshouses

St. Anne’s Hospital was founded by Lady Anne Clifford in 1653 and for more than 350 years, ageing, widowed, or single ladies have lived there rent free. The building is Grade II* listed on the National Heritage List for England.  All thirteen Almshouses were recently refurbished in a major project to modernise the fabric of the buildings. Each house is lived in by a single lady, as set out in the original Trust Deeds and are built around a quiet, cobbled courtyard. It has been described as 'one of the most peaceful and perfectly preserved places in the Eden Valley.'  If you see any of the residents, just say hello! They are often happy to tell you more about the building’s history. You can ask to see inside the chapel, and a small donation for its upkeep is always appreciated.

18th, 19th and 20th September - Castle Fine Arts: The Colour Makers House

The Colour Makers House (rebuilt in 1677) is home to a traditional artist's colour shop, and alchemy workshops show how paint and pigments are traditionally made. The Colour Maker's House will be open both Saturday and Sunday for browsing, with historic paint making demonstrations on both days. Demonstrations will be held daily at 1100 and 1300.  There will also be an exhibition open between 1000 and 1600 called 'Elizabethan Reds and the Cliffords of Appleby'.

19th and 20th September - Drybeck Hall

Drybeck Hall dates from 1679. It is Grade II listed and a typical Cumbrian cross passage house with attached bank barn. This former 17th century farmhouse was acquired by the Tufton family, who inherited Lady Anne Clifford's estates. Relatively little has changed and it now serves as a family home.

18th, 19th and 20th September - St Lawrence's Church

St Lawrence’s Church was built in the late 11th Century in sight of the Castle at the opposite end of Boroughgate, the main street of the new Norman town of Appleby. Lady Anne Clifford's tomb is in the north-east corner of the church.  The Athelstan Tapestry panels will be displayed and stitched in St Lawrence's Church 9.30am - 4pm on Saturday 19th.  At 11:45 a.m., there will be a presentation by Ursula Hurst the artist from Hilton, who illustrated the panels, and Phillipa Turnbull, the historic embroidery specialist, who will be creating the embroideries with over 100 local volunteers in her Appleby studio.

Also in St Lawrence's Church, there will be a new permanent display case featuring Lady Anne Clifford in costume, showing a young Lady Anne in replica court dress from an early 17th century portrait belonging to her descendant.

19th and 20th September - Appleby Heritage QR Code Trail

Enjoy a history themed trail throughout our town in Appleby! Look out for a QR Code poster on any of our heritage assets to see historic pictures and listen to a short audio clip which will tell you more about our history.  Simply pick up a map and get looking for those codes!

19th and 20th September - Castle Bank House

Usually a private home, this Grade II listed building, Castle Bank will be open for visitors. The garden, stables and art display make the house well worth a visit.

18th September - Crewel Work Company - The Athelstan Project

At The Crewel Work Company, we are incredibly excited to be involved in a truly special project that brings together British history, research and the art of embroidery.  Over the next three years, we will be working on the Eamont Tapestry, a remarkable embroidered artwork comprising a series of panels that tell the story of the life and reign of King Æthelstan, widely regarded as the first King of the English.  The shop on the Sands will be open throughout the festival, with opportunities to speak to the ladies working on the embroidery. The tapestry will be displayed in St Lawrence’s Church on Saturday 19th.

19th September - Local Historical Societies Exhibition and Talks

Appleby Archaeology will have display boards and some of their local finds and the Cumbria Vernacular Buildings Group will have some interesting information about our local buildings.  Black and white boards will also be on display throughout the room, with photographs from the Appleby-in-Westmorland Society’s archives.

19th and 20th September - Kingstone House

Once a historic inn, Kingstone House is now a private residence and HODS is the only time of year it is open.

Kirkby Stephen

12th September - Kirkby Stephen Old Ale Trail

A step back in time with everyday history in the town's 18th to 21st century pubs, inns and breweries.  This walk is organised by Kirkby Stephen and District Walkers are Welcome, their Upper Eden Discovery Walks number 3, with additional history of the lives of the people from the 18th to 21st century in pubs, inns and breweries. A 1.5 hours walk around Kirkby Stephen Conservation Area.

12th and 13th September - Our Childhood Memories

A display of the toys, books and photographs that tell the everyday histories of our childhoods, from all over the UK.  Two little teddy bears made from Dad's old socks were the starting point for this display. What were the stories behind these well-loved bears, created in the days of 'make do and mend'? Come and find out over the weekend 12 and 13 September 2026. There are more teddies, dolls, story books and annuals, toy trucks, train sets and even some Blue Peter badges, each one with its own story.

12th and 13th and 19th and 20th September - Helbeck Hall Walled Garden

Family Walled Garden with spectacular views.  Original Georgian walled garden, connected to Helbeck Hall manor house. It looks south with views towards Nine Standards Rigg and has had limited alterations over the last 250 years.

17th September - Kirkby Stephen Viaducts Walk

Past, present and future walk along the disused Stainmore railway.  One of the most popular walks in Kirkby Stephen is the Viaducts Walk along the disused Stainmore Railway from Stenkrith Park to Hartley. We will do a circular walk from Kirkby Stephen taking in this old railway with past history of the line and information on future plans.